HUMAN DEVELOPMENT: LIFE STAGE THEORIES
This research covers the depth of the life stage theories of human development. Patterns and processes of human development are identified and evaluated.
Cognitive Concepts of Human Development
Cognitive concepts of human development were emphasized in the breadth review of life stage theories. Elements of cognitive theory have been challenged by some contemporary researchers.
The computer metaphor theory of the cognitive system has been criticized because cognitive computer models (a) are weak in the performance of tasks involving pattern recognition, (b) poor at tasks that involve simultaneous satisfaction of so called soft constraints, and (c) contrast poorly with the function of the brain (Lloyd, 1990, pp. 90 91). The human brain excels at tasks involving pattern recognition. Even the best digital computer or artificial intelligence system, however, cannot perform even moderately well in the area of pattern recognition.
One example of a task involving a so called soft constraint is the catching of a frisbee. For an individual to catch a frisbee, the individual must compute the trajectory of the device. In computing the trajectory of the frisbee, the individual must allow for the curves and drops that characterize the flight of a frisbee; the individual must simultaneously move toward a point of intercept between human and frisbee, all the while making sure not to run into any other object; and the individual must correctly position her or his hand or hands to make the catch at the point of intercept. The several constraints involved in the action described above are soft in the context in that the actions associated with the constraints are not mandatory as a requirement for catching the frisbee. As an example, an individual may opt to use either one or two hands for the catch. Either option, however, predicates a different positioning of the body of the catcher. While ...